What is Metaphysics? The term "metaphysics" was first used to refer to what Aristotle claimed to be "a science which investigates
being as being and the attributes which belong to this in virtue of its own nature." He distinguished this "science" from all the "so-called special sciences," for none of them dealt "generally with being as being." One might think of Metaphysics as the "other side of the coin" of observable and quantifiable science. Contemporary science can only deal with that which is measurable and can be controlled, or directly observed. Metaphysics deals with realities that lay outside that realm, but are nevertheless, worthy of scientific investigation. Themes of Metaphysics:Epistomology: How do we know what we know? Is "Real" knowledge even possible, given our unique and subjective frames of reference? Classical Metaphysics in the past has typically drifted towards a mysticism that usually was monistic, or held all of the universe was "One". Ontology: The investigation into what categories of things are in the world and what relations these things bear to one another. This might include nature of the Divine, our relationship to the Divine, and with each other, and the dynamism between mind-body-spirit. Non-Materialism: A more contemporary
understanding of Metaphysics would include anything beyond that which is clinically scientific. Such categories may include angelology, faith healing, occultism, channelling, crystal power, astrology, parapsychology, paranormal experiences, and the like. In Metaphysics, they are not all dismissed out of hand because they are lacking "scientific" corroboration, but neither are they to be accepted 100% at face value. Purposefulness: To ask questions about the nature of existence and the essence of being begs the question as to our purpose and meaning in life. A comprehensive understanding of Metaphysics should help and individual gain a cohesive view of the universe, in which their role understood and embraced. A phrase that might be used to describe this understanding would be "Omniscopic" (Greek: Omni=all - Skopic=purpose or aim). We do not ignore
metaphysical investigations carried out by traditional or organized religions. All traditions, from Hindu, to Muslim Sufi, to Christian Mystics all have their "metaphysical" contingent in their ranks.